Check disk for optical data storage disk manufacturing

Abstract

In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a manufacturing process for optical data storage disks that makes use of a check disk very early in the production cycle. The check disk can be replicated directly from the master without destroying the master. The check disk may then be tested in order to validate the pattern created on the master. In some cases, the check disk may be delivered to customers, allowing the customers to verify the check disk. Once the check disk has been verified, the master can be used to create one or more stampers, which can be used in a mass production process for creating optical data storage disks. However, if the check disk is defective or otherwise not acceptable, the production cycle can be halted prior to creating any stampers. In this manner, the invention can be used to avoid creation of defective stampers or other defective mass production tools.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The invention relates to the production of data storage media such as optical data storage disks.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Optical data storage disks have gained widespread acceptance for the storage, distribution and retrieval of large volumes of information. Optical data storage disks include, for example, audio CD (compact disc), CD-R (CD-recordable), CD-ROM (CD-read only memory), DVD (digital versatile disk or digital video disk) media, DVD-RAM (DVD-random access memory), and various types of rewritable media, such as magneto-optical (MO) disks, CD-RW (CD-rewritable) and phase change optical disks. Some newer formats for optical data storage disks are progressing toward smaller disk sizes and increased data storage density. In some cases, optical data storage disks are housed within a data storage cartridge.[0003]The process of creating optical data storage disks such as prerecorded disks, recordable disks or rewritable disks begins with a mastering p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]In general, the invention is directed to a manufacturing process for optical data storage disks that makes use of a check disk very early in the production cycle. The check disk can be replicated directly from the master without destroying the master. The check disk may then be tested in order to validate the pattern created on the master. In some cases, the check disk may be delivered to customers, allowing the customers to verify the check disk. Once the check disk has been accepted, the master can be used to create one or more stampers, which can be used in a mass production process for creating optical data storage disks. However, if the check disk is defective or otherwise not acceptable, the production cycle can be halted prior to creating any stampers. In this manner, the invention can be used to avoid creation of defective stampers or other defective mass production tools.

Problems solved by technology

The mastering process is a relatively expensive process in which a photoresist is coated on a master substrate, exposed to develop a photoresist pattern, and then removed in the exposed or non-exposed regions to define a photoresist pattern.

This process, however, typically destroys the master.

However, if the check disk is defective or otherwise not acceptable, the production cycle can be halted prior to creating any stampers.

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